A pedestrian holding a parasol walks past a fountain in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, Friday. Yonhap
As the relentless heat wave persists, people are increasingly reluctant to venture out for meals, coffee or drinks, dealing another blow to restaurants, cafes and bars as customer numbers plunge.
Office workers are increasingly opting for food delivery instead of going out for group lunches or dinners because of the sweltering heat, while many are heading straight home after work rather than gathering for drinks with colleagues.
The number of people spending money in Seoul's major business districts and commercial areas, such as Gwanghwamun, Jonggak, Yeouido and Gangnam, has decreased, data showed Friday.
According to real-time urban data for Seoul, the commercial district vitality index in Yeouido decreased by 5.8 percent between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Thursday, compared to the same time last week.
